Kyle Williams never imagined he'd own a blinds company, but after 15 years in consumer product sales, he recognized an opportunity to disrupt an industry that hadn't seen meaningful innovation in decades. As founder of Bumble Bee Blinds of NWA, Kyle joins the B-Team Podcast to reveal how window treatments have become his unexpected passion project.

The conversation takes an illuminating turn when Kyle demonstrates the technology that sets Bumble Bee apart - an augmented reality application that allows customers to visualize different window treatments in their actual space before purchasing. For homebuilders Matt and Rob, this solves a persistent pain point: helping clients understand what premium options like motorized blinds actually look like versus standard two-inch blinds that often end up being replaced.

What began as a franchise exploration during a mid-career reflection has evolved into a thriving business offering everything from basic blinds to sophisticated motorized solutions with solar charging capabilities. Kyle explains how their laser measuring system eliminates human error, while their same-day, down-to-the-penny pricing approach removes the frustrating wait times typical in the industry. For windows without nearby power sources, their solar charging options solve problems many customers didn't know had solutions.

Though the conversation reveals the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with family life and full-time careers, Kyle's disciplined approach demonstrates that passion projects can flourish alongside professional stability. By creating efficient systems and hiring exceptional staff, Kyle and his wife have built a business that operates smoothly without requiring their constant presence.

Ready to transform your space with window treatments that combine form and function? Mention the B-Team Podcast when contacting Bumble Bee Blinds of NWA for 10% off any product through April, and discover how this locally-owned, nationally-backed business is changing how Northwest Arkansas thinks about blinds, shades, shutters, and exterior screens.

More About this Episode

The Blinds Business Boom: How Kyle Williams is Disrupting the Industry in Northwest Arkansas

Blinds. They’re not exactly the first thing that comes to mind when you think of an exciting business venture. But for Kyle Williams, they represent something bigger—a perfect blend of innovation, customer experience, and an untapped market in Northwest Arkansas.

Williams, a long-time CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) professional, took the leap into small business ownership with Bumble Bee Blinds, a franchise dedicated to transforming the way people think about and purchase window treatments. From custom shades to motorized blinds and even outdoor screens, Bumble Bee Blinds is aiming to set a new standard in home and commercial window solutions.

From Corporate Sales to Entrepreneurship

Williams' journey to entrepreneurship wasn’t an overnight decision. It started back in his early 20s when he was working in distribution for Coca-Cola in New Jersey. While he loved the industry, he quickly realized that he wanted something more—control, ownership, and the ability to build something of his own.

That dream nearly took shape at 25 when he was offered a franchise opportunity with GolfTech, a golf coaching and retail franchise. But without the necessary capital, that opportunity slipped through his fingers. Fast-forward 15 years, and Williams decided it was time to revisit the idea of business ownership.

Taking a step back from his corporate career, he and his wife, Melanie, began exploring franchise opportunities. The criteria?

  • It had to be a need, not a want
  • It had to be family-friendly (no 2 a.m. emergency calls)
  • It had to have growth potential

After researching six different brands, they landed on Bumble Bee Blinds, a company backed by HorsePower Brands, which specializes in home services businesses. The more they learned, the more they realized how much opportunity was in the blinds industry, particularly in a fast-growing area like Northwest Arkansas.

Why Blinds? The Market Opportunity in Northwest Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas is booming. With Walmart, Tyson, and J.B. Hunt headquarters, plus the continued expansion of the University of Arkansas and the region’s healthcare sector, demand for housing and commercial development is sky-high.

New homes, new apartments, new offices—every single one of them needs blinds. Yet, Williams discovered that the blinds industry hadn’t seen much innovation in years. Most builders default to standard 2-inch faux wood blinds, often as an afterthought. For homeowners, the process of selecting custom blinds can be overwhelming and time-consuming.

That’s where Bumble Bee Blinds saw an opportunity.

What Makes Bumble Bee Blinds Different?

Williams and his team at Bumble Bee Blinds are approaching the industry differently, combining technology, customer service, and customization to create a seamless experience for homeowners and builders. Here’s how:

1. Laser Measurements for Accuracy

Forget the traditional tape measure. Bumble Bee Blinds uses laser technology to measure windows, ensuring pinpoint accuracy and reducing human error. Measurements are sent directly to an iPad, eliminating the risk of handwritten mistakes.

2. Live Digital Previews

One of the most impressive innovations is their digital rendering tool. Instead of flipping through sample books and trying to visualize how a blind will look in your home, Bumble Bee Blinds takes an actual photo of your window and overlays different blind styles and colors in real-time.

“Customers can literally see how different shades and blinds will look in their space before making a decision,” Williams explains.

3. Fast, Transparent Quotes

Unlike other providers who take weeks to send pricing, Bumble Bee Blinds provides down-to-the-penny quotes on the spot. That means no surprises and no waiting.

4. Diverse Offerings for Every Budget

From budget-friendly options to luxury motorized blinds, Bumble Bee Blinds caters to all price points. They even have their own white-label private brand that allows them to compete aggressively on cost.

5. Motorized & Smart Home Integration

The demand for motorized blinds is growing, and Bumble Bee Blinds is leading the charge. Their products range from basic remote-controlled blinds to smart-home-integrated shades that can be controlled via phone or voice assistants.

Even better? For homes without pre-wired power, they offer solar-powered blinds, eliminating the need for expensive electrical work.

6. Exterior Screens & Custom Drapery

It’s not just about indoor blinds. Bumble Bee Blinds also provides exterior motorized screens, perfect for patios and outdoor living spaces—a growing trend in Northwest Arkansas.

A Balancing Act: Running a Business While Juggling Family and Careers

Kyle and Melanie Williams aren’t just running a business—they’re also managing full-time corporate jobs and raising two young children. How do they do it?

It comes down to strict time management and hiring the right people.

  • Mornings & Weekends: Dedicated to Bumble Bee Blinds
  • Work Hours: Focused on their corporate roles
  • Evenings (5-8 PM): Reserved for family time
  • Hiring a Strong Team: A full-time general manager and a dedicated sales consultant ensure that operations run smoothly.

“It’s tough, but we chose this. This is our dream, and we’re making it happen,” says Williams.

The Future of Bumble Bee Blinds in Northwest Arkansas

Since launching in January 2025, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Builders, designers, and homeowners are seeing the value of a better, more efficient blinds-buying process.

From high-end custom homes to commercial properties, Bumble Bee Blinds is setting a new standard in window treatments. And with Northwest Arkansas’ rapid growth, the opportunity is only getting bigger.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to upgrade your space or a builder needing a reliable partner, Bumble Bee Blinds is ready to deliver quality, service, and innovation—one window at a time.

Call or text: 479-512-BUZZ
Website: Bumblebee Blinds of Northwest Arkansas
Instagram & Facebook: @BumblebeeBlindsNWA